1940s era collectivism

Collectivism? USA was an apartheid state.

Or am I just imagining some idealistic version of the past that never existed,

Absolutely. If you look at the 1940s as some kind of high point, then you’re completely missing the overwhelming racism of USA. This is fundamental to the state which was literally founded by slavemasters trying to violently enforce their disgusting privilege. It is a major contributor to USAians being completely brainwashed and indoctrinated.

And that’s just the racism…